With its incredible heritage and distinct topography, Hampi has been captivating history buffs, adventure lovers, and solace seekers for decades. While monuments like the Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple are some of India’s most-flocked tourist attractions, there’s so much more to Hampi than our textbooks suggest. Here, we feature some of the least-explored places to visit in Hampi. By Karan Kaushik
8 Lesser-known places to visit in Hampi
Hazara Rama Temple
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Topping our list of lesser-known places to visit in Hampi is the Hazara Ram Temple. Even though the temple is located at a short distance of 3 km from the main bus stand in Hampi, it remains one of the least-visited monuments. The pièce de résistance at the temple is the many impressive carved panels that adorn the walls of the temple. These panels depict different scenes from the epic Ramayana. In fact, it’s the only temple in Hampi that features bas-reliefs. The temple can be visited along with the more popular attractions like the Royal Enclosure, Zenana Enclosure, Danaik’s Enclosure, and the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple.
Pattabhirama Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Rama, this lesser-known temple may not be as opulent as the Vittala Temple but shares the same size. Consecrated in AD 1534, the temple must be visited for its intricate carvings and splendid design. The temple stands at the centre of a large rectangular walled complex. Its main mandapa boasts beautifully-carved pillars and walls. The temple complex also houses a smaller shrine, a temple tank, a divine marriage hall, and a domed gateway. Most people club their visit with the next-door Archeological Survey of India Museum.
Hirebenkal Prehistoric Site
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One of the few megalithic sites in India, the Hirebenkal Prehistoric Site is often touted as the valley of the dead. The impressive site houses as many as 400 megalithic funerary monuments. These are said to belong to the age between the Neolithic period and the Iron Age. When here, you can see a variety of megaliths including dolmens, stone circles, rock chambers, and cists. Archaeological excavations in 2001 revealed charred animal bones and various types of pottery. The site is also known for its cave paintings.
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple
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Popularly known as Underground Shiva Temple, this fascinating temple will leave you amazed. Located near the Noblemen’s Quarters and Chandikesvara Temple, this lesser-known temple dates to the 14th century. The temple houses a shivalinga, which is worshipped in the form of Prasanna Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple was discovered as recently as the 1980s after being buried under the ground for more than four hundred years. The temple received generous donations from King Krishna Deva Raya in its heydays.
Bhima’s Gateway
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Also known as Bhim Dwar, this massive gateway speaks volumes about the glorious past of the Vijayanagara Empire. The impressive gateway derives its name from the legendary Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. A tastefully-carved imposing figure of Bhima adorns the gateway, which was designed in a way that the enemies would find it confusing to penetrate. The carvings of Draupadi and Keechaka are also noteworthy.
Anantashayana Temple
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Constructed by Sri Krishna Deva Raya in the 16th century, this lesser-known temple is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Hampi. The stunning temple bears testimony to the iconic Vijayanagara style of temple architecture. It is located 10km southwest of Hampi. Its primary features include a 70 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and 60 feet long rectangular garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum. This sanctum is embellished with a 30 feet tall intricately carved dome. Do notice the opulent and ornamented pillars at the Antarala and Mahamantapa inside the temple.
Sugriva’s Cave
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If you have fond memories of watching the iconic Ramayana on Doordarshan (or its pandemic reruns), you’d be left intrigued at Sugriva’s Cave. Hampi is associated with the Hindu epic. Some of the most important chapters of the Ramcharitmanas are based around Hampi. It served as the capital of Kishkindha, ruled by the Vanara king Sugriva. This cave is where Sugriva showed Sita’s jewels to Rama following her abduction by the demon king Ravana.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
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And last, but certainly not least, allow us to introduce you to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. End your heritage trip with a dose of wildlife as you spot cute honey-loving sloth bears at their playful best. Traversing through the rugged terrain of the sanctuary makes for a thrilling experience. Sprawled across an area of 82.72 sq km, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the first sloth bear sanctuary in Asia. Sightings are easy. Visit any day between 06:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
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